Dire Dawa University

Effective data management plays a pivotal role in public health facilities, where accurate recording, collection, and analysis of health information are fundamental to informed decision-making and improved health outcomes. This study evaluates the current data management practices among health professionals in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, while identifying key influencing factors. By doing so, it aims to enhance data quality and establish a robust, evidence-based framework to address the operational and strategic needs of health administration. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia, from April to May 2023, involving a simple random sample of 417 health professionals. Data were entered using EpiData version 7.0 and analyzed with SPSS version 22.0 to produce descriptive statistics. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to assess associations between variables, with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) used to quantify the strength of these relationships. Among the 409 participating health professionals (response rate: 98%), effective data management practices were evident in 53.1% (95% CI: 48.2-57.7). Significant predictors included good knowledge of data management (AOR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.20-4.30), a favorable attitude (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.16-4.67), high competency in tasks (AOR = 4.63, 95% CI: 2.08-10.31), clear understanding of health management information system tools (AOR = 5.67, 95% CI: 1.74-18.44), proficient computer skills (AOR = 3.95, 95% CI: 1.85-8.44), provision of feedback (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.09-4.66), strong data analysis skills (AOR = 4.65, 95% CI: 2.23-9.71), and prior training (AOR = 3.45, 95% CI: 1.07-11.12). Data management practices within the Health Management Information System in Dire Dawa require substantial improvement. Targeted capacity-building initiatives, including education and training in data handling, analysis, and tool proficiency, are essential. Coupled with regular feedback and ongoing evaluations, these efforts can significantly elevate standards and support evidence-based public health strategies.

The Legeoda Dam project, proposed in eastern Ethiopia’s Dire Dawa region on the Halo Busa Lege Odamirga watershed, aims to provide irrigation water for downstream agricultural development. This geotechnical feasibility study addresses foundation challenges associated with deep tropical weathering of Oligocene flood basalts overlain by uniform alluvial deposits. Twelve boreholes along the 520 m dam axis, supported by extensive laboratory testing (index properties, shear strength, compressibility, permeability) and in-situ SPT, revealed a consistent stratigraphic sequence: 1.5 m topsoil, 2.5 m clay, 4.0 m sandy silt, 7.0 m highly weathered basalt, 10.0 m fractured basalt, and sound basalt below ~25 m depth. Key findings include uniform overburden thickness (39.9–40.1 m), progressive strength increase with depth (SPT N = 5.5–78.8), high untreated settlement potential (6251 mm), and significant seepage risk through fractured basalt. Seepage, stability, and settlement analyses confirmed technical viability following targeted foundation treatment. Novel contributions include quantitative risk-based treatment optimization and cost-benefit evaluation specific to Ethiopian basalt terrains, demonstrating benefit-cost ratios exceeding 3.0 for integrated cutoff and grouting measures. The study concludes that the site is highly suitable for a zoned earth-rock embankment dam with standard foundation improvements. Recommendations emphasize deep cutoff penetration into sound basalt, selective grouting, and comprehensive instrumentation. This work advances sustainable dam development on flood basalt foundations in rift-margin settings.

Nasal myiasis is an uncommon parasitic infestation of the nostril caused by fly larvae, often occurring in individuals from rural areas with poor hygiene or chronic nasal disease. It may rarely present with active nasal bleeding (epistaxis), which can mimic other common nasal pathologies. A 65-year-old female from a rural area presented with continuous right-sided nasal bleeding of four days’ duration, associated with nasal itching, obstruction, and foul-smelling discharge. She reported similar episodes over the past year but had not sought medical attention. Her medical history was significant for unspecified heart disease, for which she was taking enalapril 5 mg and furosemide 40 mg orally once daily each. On arrival to the emergency department, she was hemodynamically stable except for tachycardia (pulse rate 118 bpm). Local examination revealed active right-sided epistaxis. Digital compression and topical epinephrine-soaked gauze reduced the bleeding, after which multiple live larvae were visualized and removed manually under direct vision. The nostril was irrigated with normal saline, and the patient was started on intravenous ceftriaxone 1 gm twice daily and a single oral dose of ivermectin 200 µg/kg. The patient showed marked improvement, and the bleeding ceased completely. This case highlights nasal myiasis as a rare but important cause of persistent epistaxis, particularly in rural or low-resource settings. Early identification and prompt removal of larvae, combined with systemic antibiotics and ivermectin, are crucial for achieving favorable outcomes and preventing complications.

Suture selection significantly impacts surgical outcomes, with tensile strength and knot security being critical factors. This study investigated the influence of suture material and environmental factors on these parameters. We compared four suture types: polyglactin 910 (PG), polypropylene (PP), silk (SK) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Tensile strength was assessed initially and during two weeks of immersion in various media (saliva, tea, coffee and cola). Knot security, specifically knot slippage and breakage, was evaluated across the different suture materials and media. Prolene displayed highest TS of all sutures. However this difference was statistically significant when compared with SK and PTFE sutures (p < 0.05). The mean tensile strength is significantly higher at day 3, day 7 and day 10 compared to baseline in Tea, Cola and Coffee with PG suture material (p-value < 0.05 for all). The incidence of knot slippage at baseline is significantly higher for PTFE as compared to all other types of suture materials (p < 0.05). The incidence of knot slippage at day 7 and day 14 is significantly higher compared to baseline in Cola by SK, PG and PP (p-value < 0.05 for all) The incidence of knot breakage at baseline is higher for silk as compared to all other sutures but it is statistically significant when compared to PTFE (p < 0.05). Environmental factors, such as acidic media, can negatively affect knot security. These findings underscore the importance of careful suture selection based on specific clinical requirements. However, further research needs to be undertaken to confirm these findings in-vivo.

Chronic wounds in diabetic and immunocompromised patients often remain inflamed due to infection and high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Effective dressings require biocompatibility and active functions to promote healing and reduce inflammation. Conventional dressings lack bioactive agents, cell compatibility, and sustained therapeutic release properties. This study developed dual-functional wound mats by combining molecular docking and electrospinning to load Rumex abyssinicus (RA) extracts into poly(vinyl alcohol)-polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVA-PVP) nanofibers. Molecular docking revealed that γ-sitosterol strongly binds to tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) (-11.6 kcal/mol) and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-βR I) (-11.2 kcal/mol), while phytol and linolenic acid derivatives showed moderate interactions with inflammatory and microbial targets. These compounds met the drug-likeness and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) criteria. The RA-loaded nanofibers (180-450 nm) were uniform and bead-free, as confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. The mats exhibited moderate hydrophilicity (contact angle 65°-70°), controlled biodegradability over 14 days, and optimal water vapor transmission rates (1450-1650 g/m2/day) for moist healing. RA release was sustained, reaching 80% at 72 h. The mats exhibited concentration-dependent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and high cytocompatibility (105.6-116.5%). In vivo, RA mats accelerated wound closure to 97% by Day 15, enhanced collagen deposition (75%), reduced inflammation (18%), and suppressed TNF-α and interleukin-6 (IL-6) by up to 85 and 95%, respectively. By integration of phytochemicals from renewable plant sources with water-soluble and biocompatible polymers, this study contributes to the development of sustainable wound-care materials. RA-based nanofibers are promising multifunctional wound-dressing materials.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding 75 ppm cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) with 2% diethyl ether (DEE) to castor biodiesel diesel blends on the performance and emissions of a single-cylinder, four-stroke CI engine operated at 80% load across 1700–3000 rpm, revealing that the nano-additive improved brake torque, brake power, thermal efficiency, and reduced carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and soot emissions, with only marginal changes in nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to blends without CeO₂. The results indicate that the addition of CeO2 NPs led to an increase in brake torque to 15.5 Nm (95% CI: 15.0–16.0 Nm) and brake power to 3.7 kW (95% CI: 3.6–3.8 kW). Furthermore, BSFC decreased to 250 g/kWh at (95% confidence interval (CI): 240–260 g/kWh), enhancing thermal efficiency to 38% (95% CI: 37–39%). Emission analysis revealed a reduction in CO levels to 0.425%V (95% CI: 0.400–0.450%V), HC emissions to 47.5 ppm (95% CI: 45.0–50.0 ppm), and NOx emissions to 80 ppm (95% CI: 75–85 ppm). These findings demonstrate the potential of CeO2 NPs to enhance engine efficiency while reducing harmful emissions, making them a promising candidate for cleaner combustion technologies.

This study&amp;apos;s objective was to investigate the influence of ATM service quality on customer satisfaction within the context of Interest-Free Banking (IFB) at the Bank of Abyssinia&amp;apos;s Dire Dawa Branch. Using a descriptive and quantitative research approach, data was collected from 318 IFB customers via a structured questionnaire. The data was then analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis to determine relationships between the variables. The key findings revealed that reliability, responsiveness, tangibility, and assurance all had a significant positive effect on customer satisfaction. This suggests that customers&amp;apos; satisfaction increased when they perceived the ATMs to be dependable (reliability), had quick transaction times (responsiveness), were physically well-maintained (tangibility), and felt secure (assurance). In contrast, the study found that service empathy did not have a significant impact on customer satisfaction in this specific context. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the Bank of Abyssinia prioritize continuous improvement in the reliability and responsiveness of its ATM services to align with the Islamic principle of &amp;apos;amanah&amp;apos; (trust). The bank should also enhance the tangible aspects of the ATM environment to align with &amp;apos;taharah&amp;apos; (purity). Finally, reinforcing assurance and implementing ongoing customer feedback mechanisms are crucial for building trust and adhering to the Islamic principle of consultation. This research offers valuable insights into customer satisfaction in the growing sector of Islamic banking.

Harmful traditional practices remain a major global public health concern. These practices violate human rights and negatively impact the health and well-being of community members, especially women and children. However, in the current study area, there is a lack of comprehensive research and up-to-date data specifically focusing on harmful traditional practices affecting children. To assess the Prevalence of harmful traditional practices among mothers of under five children in Dire Dawa Administration, Eastern Ethiopia, and associated risk factors. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Dire Dawa from October 2nd to November 10th, 2023, involving 845 mothers with children under five years of age. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed, followed by a systematic random sampling method to select the study participants. Data were collected using KoboCollect, then exported, cleaned, and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. Both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between dependent and independent variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Approximately one-third of mothers, 246 (29.5%; 95% CI: 26.3–32.7%), reported practicing at least one harmful traditional practice (HTP) on their children. The most commonly reported HTPs included uvula cutting, anal perforation, and traditional male circumcision. Significant factors associated with the practice of HTPs included maternal age, occupation, history of undergoing HTPs themselves, utilization of postnatal care services, and receiving counseling on HTPs during the antenatal period. Despite ongoing efforts, nearly one-third of mothers continued to practice at least one harmful traditional practice on their children. To address this issue, healthcare providers should consistently deliver targeted information on the adverse effects of harmful traditional practices during both antenatal and postnatal care visits. Additionally, raising community awareness about the negative consequences of these practices on children’s health may help reduce their prevalence.